Chancellor's U.S. Capitol Internship Program
The Chancellor’s U.S. Capitol Internship Program provides financial support for LU students seeking the unique opportunity to serve as Congressional and public policy interns in Washington, D.C. Interns will engage with and develop a greater understanding of the policymaking and legislative processes while gaining invaluable professional skills, practical government work experience, and a more robust professional network.
The ability to apply academic theory in a professional work environment is critical to a successful internship experience. To ensure student success in this area, program participants will enroll in a public policy research course, in addition to a six-credit-hour internship course during their internship semester.
This opportunity is available each FALL and SPRING semester. Interns work full-time for the duration of the semester for which they are chosen. While interning in the nation's capital will require hard work and some late nights, it can also be an extremely rewarding experience, giving students valuable policymaking skills and helping them achieve long-term career goals.
Timeline for Fall 2027 Internships
LU has established a general timeline for the application, awarding, and placement of interns. However, please note that the timeline may be adjusted as circumstances necessitate.
- October 20, 2026 - Application opens.
- December 15, 2026 - Application closes.
- December 15-February 15:
- Review Committee begins assessing applications and conducting interviews.
- Early applications are preferred and will be reviewed upon submission.
- February 15, 2027:
- Review Committee notifies those selected to move forward with the internship process.
- Beginning March 1, 2027:
- TSUS will review candidates and make selections.
Apply to Be an Intern
Although applicants must meet certain minimum requirements, there is much more to the selection process. For example, applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude, solid work ethic, excellent communication skills, adaptability, and creativity.
Background Screening
Finalists must successfully complete background screening as a pre-condition to an internship.
Eligibility Requirements
Students from all disciplinary backgrounds are eligible for consideration, but you must have a demonstrated interest in public policy and government.
Applicants must be in good standing with LU and meet the requirements listed below:
- Undergraduate Students – minimum of 60 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.0 LU GPA
- Graduate Students – minimum of 15 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.25 LU GPA
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence (required for internships in Congressional offices)
When determining your completed LU semester credit hours, you may include those hours in which you are currently enrolled.
Please note that a scholarship offered to students selected for this program may impact your overall financial aid and scholarship offer(s). Contact Financial Aid and Scholarships with questions.
Application Open and Close Dates for Fall 2027 Internships
Application Deadline: December 15, 2026 (at midnight)
Application Checklist:
- General Scholarship Application
- The Chancellor's U.S. Capitol Internship Application - Fall 2027
- Upload résumé
- Upload copy of your LU unofficial transcript
- Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from an LU faculty or staff member)
- Provide links to all public and private social media accounts
- Essay